First

/fˈɜːst/

/ˈfɝst/

Definition & Meaning of "first"

first

ADJECTIVE

(of a person) coming or acting before any other person

Example

He was the first person to climb the mountain.

She became the first woman to win the award.

1.1

(of a thing) coming before everything else in a series or sequence

early

first

initial

original

primary

Example

I tasted sushi for the first time in Tokyo.

I learned my first English words from a cartoon.

not happened, made, or experienced before now

inaugural

first-ever

Example

The first flight of the new aircraft went off without any issues.

Her first day at the new job was filled with excitement and nerves.

taking priority over all others

central

chief

foremost

leading

main

Example

The safety of the passengers is the pilot 's first priority during a flight.

The company 's first goal is to improve customer satisfaction through better service.

referring to a title or position indicating that someone holds a high rank or authority within an organization or group

high-level

senior

top

chief

head

Example

The first officer on the flight assisted the captain in managing the plane.

As the first mate, he was responsible for helping the ship ’s captain navigate through the storm.

(of musicians or singers) referring to the highest or leading part in a group

Example

She proudly sang first soprano during the choir ’s performance at the concert hall.

The first violinist plays a crucial role in leading the orchestra during performances.

first

ADVERB

before anything or anyone else in time, order, or importance

Example

Before starting the project, it 's crucial to plan and outline your goals first.

When serving meals, it 's polite to offer guests food first before helping yourself.

1.1

before any other action or event takes place

Example

Let ’s have breakfast first, then we can start packing for the trip.

I ’ll finish this report first, and then I ’ll help you with your project.

used to refer to the initial moment or occasion when something happens or is experienced

Example

I instantly knew we ’d be friends when I first met him at the party.

She felt a spark the moment she first saw him across the room.

used to introduce the initial point or statement in a sequence of ideas or arguments

first of all

first off

firstly

to begin with

to start with

Example

First, we need to discuss the budget before moving on to other topics.

Let ’s start with the agenda; first, we ’ll address the sales report.

used to indicate one's preference to one option in comparison to another, often to express a strong rejection of a suggestion or alternative

preferably

rather

readily

sooner

volitionally

Example

He ’d go broke first before asking for financial help from his parents.

She ’d fail the exam first before cheating to pass it.

First

NOUN

an event or action that has never occurred or been done previously

novelty

Example

He arrived on time today, which is a first!

Wow, you ’re cooking dinner tonight?

the starting point or initial moment when something begins

beginning

dawn

onset

outset

start

Example

The first of the meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m.

We missed the first of the movie because we arrived late.

the initial base in baseball that a player runs to after hitting the ball

first base

Example

He sprinted to first after hitting a sharp ground ball.

The runner barely made it to first before the throw arrived.

the lowest gear in a vehicle or bicycle, used when starting or moving at very slow speeds

first gear

low

low gear

bottom

Example

He shifted the car into first to climb the steep hill.

You should always start in first when pulling away from a stop.

the highest academic grade awarded in a British university degree

Example

She worked hard throughout university and graduated with a first.

He was thrilled to receive a first in his engineering degree.

the top ranking or winning position in a competition or match

Example

She took first in the marathon, crossing the finish line ahead of all the other runners.

The team secured first in the championship after a flawless season.

the top-tier team of a sports club, often composed of the top players

a-team

Example

He worked hard to earn a spot on the firsts this season.

After his impressive performance, he was promoted to the firsts.

The first

/ðə fˈɜːst/

the first

PRONOUN

used to refer to the initial person, thing, or occurrence in a sequence or group

Example

Out of all the competitors, Sarah was the first to cross the finish line.

My passport was the first to be processed and delivered.

used to refer to the initial instance of experiencing, hearing, or becoming aware of something

Example

When he missed the meeting, it was the first I'd seen him be late.

You ’ve never tried sushi before?

Nearby Words

first assistant director

first baseman

first blow is half the battle

first chair

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Definition & Meaning of "first"

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